Rear End Collision lawyer La Porte, TX

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La Porte Rear End Collision Lawyer

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There are about 1.7 million rear-end collisions on U.S. roadways each year. About 1,7000 people die in those collisions and another 500,000 are hurt. Many of those rear end car accidents could be avoided if auto makers begin making collision avoidance systems standard equipment in their vehicles. The NTSB estimated that 80 percent of the deaths and injuries resulting from rear-end collisions could be prevented by collision avoidance systems, which are available in some cars but not required on all of them. Research shows that front-crash prevention systems, particularly those that can brake automatically, are significantly reducing front-into-rear crashes. Our Channelview rear end car accident lawyer is committed to holding drivers fully and legally responsible for our client’s injuries.

Rear End Car Accidents and the Concept of Negligence

​The driver of the car that rear-ends a leading vehicle will almost always be considered at least partially negligent. Every driver has a duty to follow other vehicles at a safe distance. The reason for this is because car drivers sometimes suddenly, and unexpectedly, slow down or come to a stop -- to avoid a hazard in the road, for example, or simply because of traffic congestion. You are expected to have enough distance between you and the car in front of you to prevent a collision if such an unanticipated stop becomes necessary.

​Negligence is the term used to describe when someone’s conduct falls below an established standard of care. Basically, you are considered to be negligent if your actions fall short of what a reasonable person would or would not have done under the circumstances that led to the accident. To prove that one driver was negligent in connection with a car accident, you must first prove that a duty existed. This is pretty simple, since all drivers owe one another a duty to exercise care when operating a motor vehicle. Second, you must prove the other driver breached their duty. Drivers can breach their duty of reasonable care in a number of ways; for example, by:

Failing to maintain control of the vehicle

Failing to yield the right of way

Failing to use turn signal(s)

Failing to follow at a safe distance

Failing to pay attention to the road and look out for hazards

Failing to stop within a reasonable time

Failing to drive at a reasonable speed (speed limit and road conditions)

Third, you must prove the other driver’s breach of duty was the cause of the accident. Finally, you must establish that you were left with actual damages -- such as bodily injury or damage to your vehicle -- as a result of the accident. If you have questions about a rear end car accident in La Porte, feel free to contact our experienced attorney to discuss your situation.

Rear End Collisions Are One Of Most Common Types Of Accidents

​According to the National Highway Safety Administration, rear end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents. These types of collisions, in which one vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle, are also the most common type of vehicle accident reported in La Porte, TX. While very few are deadly, they can cause a wide range of injuries and damages that can impact your organization dramatically.

​There may be those that think that rear end accidents are unavoidable, but that is not always the case. Rear end accidents are often the evidence of following too closely (especially in wet or icy conditions). They also often occur because drivers are distracted or speeding. Rear end accidents are often preventable – a term used by professional drivers wherein the driver strives to do everything reasonable to avoid the collision. There are many (reasonable) steps your organization can encourage and follow to reduce the risks of being involved in a rear end accident.

How to Avoid A Rear End Collision In La Porte Texas?

Alert and Attentive Driving

Even with all of your vehicle systems working properly, there still is no substitute for alert and attentive driving. You should make sure that your drivers receive training to help them understand how to use sensible steps to remain alert and aware of their surroundings. These will help them reduce their chances of being involved in a rear end collision.

Use Rear-View Mirrors To Avoid Being Rear Ended

Drivers should always use the inside rear-view mirror to see what is directly behind them, while using the outside mirrors to view the surrounding area behind their vehicle. Drivers should get into the habit of checking mirrors frequently as they drive. The National Safety Council advocates scanning both side and rear mirrors every five to eight seconds while driving and again whenever slowing or stopping. It's also important to check mirrors before reducing speed or making a turn to avoid other vehicles

Leave Plenty of Space Between Your Vehicle and Those In Front or Behind You

​A safe following distance is one that will allow the driver to perceive the car in front braking, put on their brake and stop the car safely. This will also give the person behind enough time to react and stop safely. The National Safety Council and several DMVs recommend using a 4 second following rule during normal daytime driving conditions. Choose an object like a tree, sign or an overpass on the road ahead to use as a fixed reference point. As soon as the vehicle in front passes that point, the driver should start counting: one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one thousand four. If the driver passes the object before finishing counting, then they were following too closely. If they finish counting before they pass the object, then they have established a good following distance. Proper distances should also be maintained from the vehicle in front even if it is not moving (for example, waiting for a traffic light).

Drivers Should Not Allow Tailgating

It is very common for drivers to follow to closely to the vehicle in front of them. If a driver notices this, they should gradually slow down so that the tailgater can go around them. If that does not work, they can try to change lanes or pull off to the side when it is safe to do so.

Increase Following Distance As Conditions Worsen

​Depending on weather and road conditions, four seconds may not be enough following distance. The conditions outside the vehicle might make it harder to notice hazards and more difficult for the brakes to stop the vehicle. Both the National Safety Council recommends increasing following distances whenever:

Driving on roads that are slippery- Rain, ice and snow - even leaves can all cause roads to become slippery.

Visibility is decreasing- All drivers should increase following distances as it gets darker. They should also increase distances when other conditions limit how far they can see. Things such as fog, rain, snow and even the sun low in the sky can all affect visibility and necessitate increasing following distances.

Following a vehicle that stops frequently - such as delivery vehicles, garbage trucks or buses. Increasing following distances allows more time to react to the frequent stops.

Following a vehicle that blocks the view of the road ahead Increasing following distances will keep your driver out of the vehicles blind spot and provide better visibility.

Being Aware of Surroundings

Drivers should always be alert to the conditions around their vehicle, scanning the road ahead as well as monitoring conditions to the sides of their vehicle, behind and above the vehicle. By being alert to conditions as soon as possible will allow for more time to react to unexpected situations such as a stalled vehicle ahead, a fallen tree branch on the road, or an ambulance coming up from behind. More reaction time will allow your drivers time to make alternative decisions to slamming on the brakes such as switching lanes, pulling off the road or turning off on to another road.

Drivers should always pay attention to when drivers in front uses their brake lights.

Drivers should always pay attention to the flow of traffic, and as long as weather and road conditions allow, keep up with the flow.

Encourage your drivers to anticipate potentially hazardous situations that could cause the driver in front to suddenly stop, such as a child coming out onto the roadway between two parked cars to retrieve a ball or toy. Scanning down the road ahead allows your drivers time to react.

Encourage your drivers try to avoid other drivers’ blind spots.

Train your drivers to be aware of aggressive drivers. Whenever they see an aggressive driver, they should strive to move away from them as safely and quickly as possible.

Drivers should not multi-task when driving. Diverting attention away from driving greatly reduces the driver's situational awareness and increases the chances of not being able to appropriately respond to their surroundings.

Being Predictable

​A key to safe driving is communicating driving intentions to the other driver. Sudden stops or abrupt lane changes can greatly increase the risk of a crash. Train your drivers to always signal for lane changes or turning. Allow enough time for other drivers to see the turn signal. Plan ahead when making a turn and enter the appropriate lane beforehand. Brake early rather than stopping suddenly; drivers should slow gradually when making a turn or approaching a red light or stop sign. Not to cut in the traffic line. This simple courtesy rule also applies to driving just as much as any other line. Many rear end collisions come from careless lane changes that stem from impatience. Drivers should always make sure there is adequate room to make lane changes, plan to do so in advance and use their turn signals to indicate their intentions. By driving in a predictable manner, your drivers will be able to keep a “safety space” around their vehicle and give them more options and more time to react to unanticipated situations.

Common Injuries in Rear-End Car Accident

Rear-end accidents can result in a number of different types of injuries, depending upon the circumstances of the crash. Our experienced La Porte rear end car accident lawyer can negotiate skillfully with insurance companies on your behalf or fight for your rights when you have been injured. Among the most common types of injuries seen in rear-end accidents are:

Neck Injuries - whiplash is perhaps the most common injury experienced after a rear-end crash. Whiplash happens when your head is snapped back and your neck extends beyond its normal length. Pain can be excruciating and lingering.

Herniated Discs - or spinal cord damage also are often seen in people who have been rear-ended.

Back Injuries - herniated discs and spinal cord damage may result from a rear-end crash.

Shoulder Injury- shoulder are commonly injured from a vehicles seatbelt and could result in the need for rotator cuff surgery.

Head Injuries - people involved in rear-end crashes may experience concussion or brain injuries, or bruises or cuts on their head, even headaches.

Broken Bones - a forceful enough impact can result in broken arms, legs, or ribs.

Soft Tissue Injuries - painful sprains, strains, and tears in your muscles, ligaments, or tendons may result from a rear-end collision.

What Should I Do After a Rear End Accident?

After a rear end accident, it is essential you follow a few important steps. Following these steps can ensure your safety and assist you in making an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit later with the help of a rear end accident lawyer in La Porte. If you experience a vehicle accident, be sure to:

Get to safety- if the accident occurs in traffic, move yourself and your vehicle, if possible, to the side of the road to avoid further accidents and injury.

Call the Police- if you or the other driver experienced injuries or property damage, you must report the accident. Remain calm, respectful, and relate as much of the events of the accident as you are able. However, you do not need to admit fault.

Document the scene- if possible, take photos of your damages and of the accident scene. Photos can help the courts and insurance companies make decisions later.

Exchange insurance information- while you do not need to speak with the other driver’s insurance company, you will need the company name and policy information to file your claim.

Seek treatment for your injuries- unless your injuries are life-threatening, only leave the scene once cleared to do so by the authorities. Keep all medical treatment documentation for future reference.

Speak with an La Porte rear end collision attorney- if your accident occurred due to the other driver’s negligence, if you were seriously injured, or if the other driver did not carry insurance, you will likely benefit from speaking with an La Porte rear end car accident lawyer regarding a injury claim against the other driver.

Attorney For Rear End Collisions In La Porte Texas

​Our La Porte rear end accident attorney fights for the rights of those who suffer injury after being rear ended by a car. Motorists have a duty to drive with caution. The Pascoe Law Firm represents rear end collision accident and we are very familiar with the serious injuries that can occur in rear end car accident. Our rear end collision lawyer is committed to holding negligent drivers fully responsible for their actions. Call us at 713-829-4317 for a free consultation and prompt investigation. If you are or a loved one has been injured, call the Pascoe Law firm to speak with our accident lawyer. The Pascoe Law Firm provides a free consultation for rear end car accident victims. Call or contact us online to our visit our main rear end collision page for more information. Hablamos Español.

Attorney, John D. Pascoe and the Pascoe Law Firm, is responsible for the content on this website, principal office and only office located in Friendswood, Texas. Available to service La Porte, Texas and Brazoria County by appointment.

Webpage is intended solely for residents of Texas or Persons seeking representation within Texas. An Attorney-Client relationship only occurs when both parties agree that the Attorney will represent the Client and will not be created until that agreement occurs. Website and all of its pages is intended to be used for educational purposes and does not constituted as legal advice. All information on every page of the website does NOT suggest or claim that the attorney has a specialization in any area of legal practice or certification. Attorney not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specializations.

Pascoe Law Firm

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